Why Jackass Forever became the most critically acclaimed installment of the entire franchise

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released in 2022, Jackass Forever defied expectations to become the highest-rated film in its series. Beyond the signature slapstick, the production faced unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic, cast departures, and severe on-set injuries. It was a final, visceral tribute to a legacy that spanned over two decades of chaos.

The journey to Jackass Forever began in 2019 when Johnny Knoxville presented a 200-page document of stunt concepts to director Jeff Tremaine. After a brief two-day test shoot, the team felt the chemistry remained intact, greenlighting the project. However, the production was immediately complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a seven-month hiatus and necessitated over one million dollars in daily testing for the cast and crew. Despite these hurdles, the film successfully introduced a new generation of performers, including Jasper Dolphin, Rachel Wolfson, and Sean "Poopies" McInerney, to work alongside original members.

The film is defined by its extreme physical toll. Unlike previous entries, this installment focused entirely on stunts, removing the respite of hidden-camera pranks. This intensity led to numerous injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and a brain hemorrhage suffered by Knoxville during a bull-related stunt. This specific incident, which left him unconscious, served as the catalyst for his retirement from the franchise. The production was further marred by the firing of Bam Margera in August 2020 due to contract violations, leading to a legal dispute that was eventually settled privately in April 2022.

Commercially, the film was a success, grossing over $80.5 million worldwide against a $10 million budget. Critics praised the revival, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 86% approval rating. Many reviewers noted that the film balanced its juvenile, masochistic spirit with a genuine sense of camaraderie. By the time the credits rolled, the project had cemented itself as a cultural touchstone, even earning a spot on IndieWire’s list of the best films of the 2020s. It remains a testament to the endurance of the Jackass crew, who continued to push their bodies to the limit long after many expected them to stop.

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